Sunderland were condemned to yet another loss by Arsenal on Saturday as they found themselves remaining on 2 points from their first 10 games in the Premier League to equal Derby County in making the worst start ever in the English top flight. David Moyes’ men looked poor again as they suffered a 4-1 loss at home to heap more pressure on their manager. Let’s take a look at how the players of the home side fared on a scale of 10 in the tie.
Pickford (4/10)
Poor performance from the goalie as he was left rooted to the spot for two of Arsenal’s goals and couldn’t do much to save the other two. Distribution was very poor.
Jones (5/10)
Tried to do his bit but was exposed a bit too often in the second half. Was ineffectual in the attacking phase.
Kone (4/10)
Usually very reliable, Kone had a poor game where he struggled to win his duels and his mistake allowed Alexis to power a wonderful header past the Sunderland keeper to open the scoring.
O’Shea (5/10)
Didn’t do much before being replaced due to an injury in the first half itself.
Van Aanholt (5/10)
Won his tackles but failed to provide stability in the defence. Was poor in possession as well not being able to provide support in the opposition half as well.
Watmore (6/10)
Worked very hard for the team and won the penalty for his team with a burst through the middle. Couldn’t’ contribute more as his team did very little in the opposition half.
Rodwell (6/10)
Passed the ball well in the midfield and provided cover in the defensive phase to help out his back four but was dribbled past many times too.
N’dong (7/10)
Seemed like a player trying to provide some sort of fight in the midfield. Passed the ball very well and created good chances in the opposition half but was unable to win his tackles.
Pienaar (4/10)
A poor display from the former Everton man in the midfield. Was dominated by the opposition once again
Khazri (6/10)
Worked hard and covered a lot of ground. Tried to make some good moves in the first half with some nice take ons but could win only three of his 7 tackles.
Defoe (7/10)
Passed the ball well whenever he had it and also converted the penalty to draw his team level but was left frustrated once again with the lack of service.
Subs
Djilobodji (4/10)
Came on in place of the injured O’Shea in the first half but failed to provide the resistance in the defence. Was lucky not to concede a penalty.
Januzaj (6/10)
Came off the bench in the 70th minute to provide some forward drive but couldn’t influence the game. Was contained by the opposition fullback.
Gooch (N/A)
